NEW DELHI, INDIA, December 30, 2000: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has taken up the cause of convincing the masses that the Christian new year is no cause for celebration. VHP senior vice-president Acharya Giriraj Kishore told News Today: "The Hindu new year falls in Chaitra, the month of April, and that is when it should be celebrated. The VHP contends that Shristi (Earth) was created long before Jesus Christ was born and therefore it is the creation that should be celebrated and not a new year that has been thrust on India by the West. VHP cadres have been given instructions to oppose New Year's Eve celebrations and to educate the masses about the actual or the original Hindu new year. According to Sheshadri Chari, editor of the Organiser, "New Year's Eve, Valentines Day and other such festivals are increasingly being celebrated in India. These are essential platforms for multinationals to sell their wares." Chari maintains such celebrations are adversely influencing Indian culture and traditions and this is the reason the VHP is opposed to it.

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